A SEA of colour will give Tavistock the wow factor this summer if proposals to bring Bedford Square to life are supported by the town. The chamber is setting its sights on a new accolade for Tavistock by clothing the streets in flowers — and the idea is blossoming through the retail community. With 75 shopkeepers already signed up to the Tavistock in Bloom campaign to hang baskets outside their stores, the next target is Bedford Square where the plan is to place six two and a half metre high planters cascading with flowers. Chamber members are looking for financial support from Tavistock Town Council to help with the cost of the state-of-the-art structures which are fully planted and delivered on site for £525 each. Chamber secretary Nigel Eadie said the display would make a 'dramatic statement'. 'Last year we had about 50 baskets, this year there will be more, he said. 'However, many people in the town have said to us that whilst the town looked very floral in 2006, by comparison Bedford Square looked stark and devoid of any flowers whatsoever. 'This is a main meeting place in the centre of the town. We could not put together an entry for Britain in Bloom without Bedford Square being involved. 'These magnificent planters will link together the shopping areas and there will be an absolute sea of colour through the town centre.' The 'eye-full towers' as they are called have four tiers of plants cascading over each other in a pyramid style. Siting positions have been chosen so as not to cause any disruption to the varied daily workings of the square or loss of amenity. Each planter will be left out overnight for a trial period and if any vandalism occurs they will be moved into the pannier market overnight. The chamber says it will arrange appropriate watering and have someone in place to complete routine maintenance. Mr Eadie said the response from retailers to the Tavistock In Bloom campaign had been exceptional, both from the multi-nationals as well as the independent shops. 'Our aim is to make Tavistock look as attractive as possible for the people who live and work here. 'To win an award for our floral display on top of all our other accolades over the last three or four years like best market town, best food town and best farmers' market, would be nice but that would be a bonus.' A proposal leaflet asking for support from the town council has been circulated to all members and if funding is secured the planters will go on display next month and last through to October. Various businesses have pledged sponsorship support and Tavistock Business Association has already offered to finance one unit.
